App Requirements and Rules

Apps can have text in other languages (ie Arabic, Spanish, etc). For examples, buttons, logos, and labels can have words in languages other than English. However the demo video must clearly explain how the app functions.

Teams may use publicly released libraries, example code, and tools, but teams must also develop original code. To be valid, every submission must include a source code file of the app.

Teams can use app builders and programming languages other than App Inventor and Thunkable. However, they must be able to complete the code checklist and submit the source code to receive full points in the technical category. Judges will download and run the code during the judging process.

Teams cannot re-submit the same app idea from previous years.

Teams can submit technologies in addition to their app prototype such as: hardware, wearable devices and, VR technology. However the submission must contain a mobile app prototype in order to be valid for submission. These technologies should be included to complement the app and make the solution stronger.

Judging

Teams cannot appeal judge decisions. All scores are final.

Intellectual Property

All submissions are the property of students who have full ownership over their source code, business plan, pitch video, and demo video.

Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Plagiarism is knowingly reproducing/copying other people's exact ideas, code, apps and business plans and submitting them as your work. All submissions suspected of plagiarism will undergo a review process by Technovation staff. If you are caught plagiarizing another team’s work, you will be disqualified. It is acceptable to use code from open-source databases and libraries. Always cite references (give credit) for research, facts/statistics in your work. If you aren’t sure, ask the owner for permission. For more information, see the “copyrights and wrongs” section on our Internet Safety training.

Mentors

Technovation Student Rules

Note: These are the general rules for Technovation mentors. Please check with your local Regional Ambassador if there any rules that are specific to your region.

Mentors must be over the age of 18, unless special permission is granted from Technovation.

Mentors can be Technovation alumni.

Mentors are required to complete a mandatory training before they can join a team, available on their mentor dashboard on my.technovationchallenge.org.

Mentors can join more than one team.

In order to submit, mentors will need to complete their profile which includes:

Mentors/adults cannot write/produce any part of the submission for the students. This includes writing the code, writing the business plan, or producing the pitch video/demo video

Mentors cannot take credit for students’ work, use students’ work to their advantage, or copy/reproduce ideas without the explicit permission of all team members.

Mentors may be allowed to become virtual judges but will not be allowed to judge submissions from their region.

Mentors cannot receive any part of the student’s prize money if their team wins. It is intended for students only.

Judges

Technovation Judge Rules

Technovation has a zero tolerance policy for manipulating scores. Technovation defines manipulating scores in the following ways:

Giving low or unfair scores

Scoring submission very quickly

Failing to leave customized and helpful feedback on each and every submission

Abusing your privileges as a judge to promote certain teams

Any other malicious act that results in unfair feedback or scores

If you are suspected of manipulating scores, you will be subjected to review by the Technovation staff. If you have broken any Technovation judge rules, you will be permanently banned from the Technovation program.